Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Are you aware that many of the foods you buy every week have been genetically modified?

Do you even know what that means?

Plants have been genetically modified in the laboratory to enhance the desired traits. This was traditionally done through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can be very time consuming and are often not very accurate. Whereas genetic engineering can create plants with the exact desired trait very rapidly and with great accuracy. Not only can genes be transferred from one plant to another, but genes from non-plant organisms also can be used.

Now having drought resistant, herbicide tolerance, and pest resistant crop does have it's advantages. But I think it's important to look at some of the disadvantages too. I am mainly concerned about the human aspect. One big concern is the unexpected allergic reactions that can occur especially in children. There really aren't many studies but there are several papers that tell about the monarch butterfly and the rats eating GM potatoes that I encourage you to read. If you are still not concerned about the risk go here.

I have a few updates on what's going on with your food from some fellow blogger that you might find interesting.

Anne over at Twice Bloomed Wisteria talked about her bees and GM corn, you might want to stop by and see what she has to say.

On a happier note, at Life in the Lost World Jayedee informed us all that the Clabbergirl family of products have come out and clearly stated that they will put no genetically modified corn in their product. Clearly our voices can be heard.

5 comments:

I try to read labels, but don't think I'd be able to catch genetic engineering on a label. Have you read Fast Food Nation? It's a pretty good book, but you won't look at your food the same again! BTW, don't forget the Great Pop'rs Giveaway! The more you comment, the better chance you have of winning--Check it out!

I know those Stuttgart rice farmers in Ark. just about had a riot when they learned that!!!

My Daddy will love to read those articles, but, like JD, he has that dial up thing, and, hopefully we can upload some of your stuff for him to read.

My Daddy is ALL into the GM stuff-- hey-- he bought some eggs from "the chicken lady" in YC for a dollar a dozen-- they weren't all GM'd and stuff!! And he really wants to get a Jersey cow and produce his own milk, yogurt, cream Etc. !! Thanks, Marye-- enjoyed your visit here in the Swan city!! Tina

a fairly safe rule to follow is that if it contains soy or corn (unless labeled organic) stay away from it. sugar, do not buy unless it clearly states CANE sugar. rice, buy organic only.its a horrible slippery slope companies like monsanto and their ilk, have us on. it will not stop until we stand up and say not just no...but HELL NO!